Bus Accident Facts
Over a dozen public and government-run bus systems serve Massachusetts residents. According to the Massachusetts government, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) serves the Greater Boston area and another 15 regional transit authorities provide local service. If you have been injured on public transportation in Massachusetts, it is important to understand the role that sovereign immunity may play in your case. Sovereign immunity, according to Cornell Law School, is the principle that requires the government to consent to a lawsuit before a claim can be pursued. Fortunately, under Massachusetts law, the state deems itself liable for any injuries caused by public or government workers. However, there are some limitations on the scope of this liability. For example, the state limits its liability to $100,000 for bodily injury damages sustained by Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority systems. While this may sound like quite a bit of money, some individuals sustain serious injuries in bus accidents. With spinal cord injuries, for example, according to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the cost of living with paralysis can range from $42,206 to as high as $1,064,716. A qualified bus accident lawyer can review all aspects of your case to determine all stakeholders who may be involved. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Massachusetts, it is important to have a qualified bus accident attorney on your side.
There are many factors that can lead to bus accidents. The vast majority of crashes are the result of human error. Some contributing factors and the causes of bus accidents include:
- Bus malfunctions
- Negligent bus driver
- Accident caused by a third-party motorist
- Pedestrian related incident
- Car or truck crash
- Motorcycle accident
- Bicycle incident
Sometimes other drivers are also at fault for a bus accident. For example, if a passenger vehicle driver was responsible for your crash, the driver of this vehicle may also be liable for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In other instances, private charter buses are involved in accidents. These buses are required to take out high insurance premiums to protect their passengers. Finally, public transportation drivers in Massachusetts must meet certain background, driving, and medical qualifications. School bus drivers in Massachusetts are subject to more stringent vetting practices.
With their immense size and weight, it is no surprise that the damage a bus can cause is serious. These injuries can result in serious injury and life-altering disabilities. Some of the many types of injuries you may be suffering from include:
- Brain trauma
- Fractures
- Paralysis
- Concussion
- Memory loss
- Whiplash
- Burns
- Deep cuts
- Neck or back injuries
- Post-traumatic stress
- Limb loss
Although these are only some of the ways you may have been impacted by the bus crash you were involved in, it is important for you to be aware of your rights as a citizen and to understand that you may be entitled to receive compensation under the law. A Massachusetts bus accident law firm can fight for your claim to be submitted properly and to the right person, but also ensure that it is done so within the time frame allowed. MBTA bus accident cases can often become confusing and complex, which is why you want a legal professional on your side each step of the way.
USAttoneys.com can connect you with a bus accident lawyer in your area who can help you get the process started. You can learn more simply by placing a call to us, or by submitting our convenient contact form where one of our agents will reach out to you in a timely manner. We do not want you to lose out on your opportunity to seek the justice and funds necessary to help you recover from your injuries, and pay your medical expenses.
If you or a family member is a victim of a Massachusetts bus accident, USAttorneys.com may be able to help you file a claim. Get a free, no-obligation consultation from one of our Massachusetts bus accident lawyers who can answer your questions. To schedule an evaluation, call us at 1-800-672-3103.
